Bathing area safety in the Maltese Islands with special emphasis on jellyfish-related injuries

Abstract

Beach users are prone to numerous hazards when visiting a bathing area. Both for the well-being of beach users as well as the economic implications behind the tourism sector it is vital to better understand these hazards in order to provide safe bathing areas. This study set out to assess bathing area safety in the Maltese Islands with special emphasis on jellyfish-related injuries, as well as to determine the level of awareness of local beach users on the jellyfish-related hazards in local bathing areas. Data was collected via a questionnaire survey on public interactions with jellyfish in Maltese local bathing waters, and a 5 year dataset of beach injury records collected by the Malta Lifeguard Association on a number of local bathing areas. Results from the questionnaire survey indicated a good level of awareness on the characteristics of some of the more frequent jellyfish found in local waters, but not on others. It was also identified that jellyfish have a significantly detrimental impact upon local beach users. While many questionnaire respondents seemed generally aware of the correct treatment procedures for common jellyfish stings, there was sufficient doubt that suggested the need for further awareness raising on the issue. Results from the 5 year dataset showed that there was a significantly large proportion of overall injuries, many time passing the 50% mark of overall injuries, related to jellyfish stings. Of the bathing areas evaluated, Għadira Bay beach, the Fond Għadir shore platform and Golden Sands beach were identified with the more pronounced number of annual jellyfish-related injuries. A conclusion was reached that there is a higher need for awareness on the impacts of jellyfish, and that an increased focus on beach management and mitigation strategies are needed to minimize bathing area hazards.